Table of Contents

Job Name

Database Analyst

Other job titles (Govt. of Canada, 2007):

Description

"The Database Analyst's role is to direct, evaluate, review, and manage database resources and services across the organization while ensuring high levels of data quality. This individual is also responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing database policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and availability of databases and their accompanying software. Where required, the Database Analyst will design, install, monitor, maintain, and performance tune production databases." (Info-Tech Research Group, 2007)

A person responsible for analyzing data requirements within an organization and modeling the data and data flows from one department to another. Formerly called a "data administrator," the database analyst may also perform "database administration" functions, which deal with the particular databases employed.( Pc Magazine, 2007)

"Database analysts design, develop and administer data management solutions using database management software. Data administrators develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors."(Govt. of Canada, 2007)

Fig. 1 - Demand for Database Analysts (itjobswatch.co.uk, 2007)

Duties & responsibilities

Some of the duties of a Database Analyst overlap with Database Administrator. In a large company with a database system that needs to be managed by multiple people, the Database analyst would focus more on the following (Wikipedia, 2007):

• Database Analysis and Reporting 
• Database design.
• Data modeling and optimization.
• Collect and document user's requirements
• Design and develop database architecture for information systems projects
• Design, construct, modify, integrate, implement and test data models and database management systems
• Conduct research and provide advice to other informatics professionals regarding the selection, application and implementation of database management tools
• Operate database management systems to analyze data and perform data mining analysis.<br>
• May lead, co-ordinate or supervise other workers in this group.
• Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models
• Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, data access rules and security
• Develop policies and procedures for network and/or internet database access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data
• Conduct research and provide advice to other information systems professionals regarding the collection, availability, security and suitability of data
• Write scripts related to stored procedures and triggers
• Lead and co-ordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models.
• Develop and maintain database solutions for, Business Intelligence, Data analysis, Database reporting, Data warehousing and Database replication using SQL Server 2000 databases.
• Develop and maintain software applications on .NET, .ASP, Visual Basic platforms.
• Business process analysis and solution development with all divisions in the organization.
• Design Intranet Website solutions (customized DotNetNuke).
• Research and recommend the use of commercial software.
• Act as second level support to the help desk regarding application and database issues.
• Design database systems and programs which include access methods, access time file structures, device
• allocation, validation checks, statistical methods, and security. 
• Work with user community to understand data access and integration needs;
• Ensure the integration of systems through the database structure;
• Monitor database standards and procedures, system usage and performance;
• Troubleshoot and resolve database and data problems;
• Develop and administer disaster recovery plans.

Database analysts are often required to utilize the following processes and methodologies to perform their role. These are listed in order of number of job listings containing the keywords (itjobswatch.co.uk, 2007):

Working conditions

According to the US Dept of Labor's Bureau of Statistics: Computer scientists and database administrators normally work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week---the same as many other professional or office workers do. However, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. With the technology available today, telecommuting is common for computer professionals. As networks expand, more work can be done from remote locations through modems, laptops, electronic mail, and the Internet.

Like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing on a keyboard, computer scientists and database administrators are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder.

Job requirements

Qualifications 

• Knowledge of Visual Basic or C++, .NET, .ASP programming languages and development tools.
• Experience with SQL scripting, Business Intelligence, Data analysis, Database reporting, Data warehousing, Data mining and Database replication using SQL Server 2000 databases.
• A minimum 3 years experience in database design, administration, and programming with .NET, .ASP, Visual Basic or C++.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related technical experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 

(landmark Education, 2007)

Specific skills and knowledge

• Knowledge of formal data structure design, relational database design, and file structure.
• Ability to design data structures to maximize efficiency and flexibility.
• Ability to perform database maintenance tasks, develop access routines, and maintain dictionary.
• Knowledge of data administration principles and data modeling concepts.
• Ability to identify and resolve software/hardware interface problems, data requirements, and access methods.
• Ability to establish and execute data security standards and procedures and disaster recovery plans.
• Knowledge of distributed processing and client/server technologies.
• Ability to perform database backup and recovery procedures as part of database management system utilities.
• Ability to use data resource and productivity tools applicable to the database management system.
• General knowledge of network configuration, programming, and protocols.
• Ability to provide database support in a multiple hardware platform and operating system environment.
• Ability to work and communicate with users to define and meet database needs and requirements.

 (Information Technology Series, 2007)

Salary

Median annual earnings of database administrators were $60,650 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,490 and $81,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,450. In May 2004, median annual earnings of database administrators employed in computer systems design and related services were $70,530, and for those in management of companies and enterprises, earnings were $65,990.

Median annual earnings of network systems and data communication analysts were $60,600 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,480 and $78,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,040. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of network systems and data communications analysts in May 2004 are shown below:

According to Robert Half International, a firm providing specialized staffing services, starting salaries in 2005 ranged from $67,750 to $95,500 for database administrators. Salaries for networking and Internet-related occupations ranged from $47,000 to $68,500 for LAN administrators and from $51,750 to $74,520 for web developers. Starting salaries for information security professionals ranged from $63,750 to $93,000 in 2005.

Industry/Organisation

In a study conducted by itjobswatch.co.uk (2007), the following industries had the most need of Database Analysts:

In the US computer scientists and database administrators held about 507,000 jobs in 2004, including about 66,000 who were self-employed. Employment was distributed among the detailed occupations as follows (US-DOL-BOS, 2007):

Job listings

Job Title	Link to Job Posting	Specific Job Requirements
Database Analyst (Silverlink Communications)	link	2+ years work experience in a research setting. 2+ years development experience with Microsoft SQL Server or comparable database development skills including stored procedures, tuning, and replication. Expertise with Excel and/or Access required, familiarity with statistics software (STATA, SAS, SPSS) strongly preferred. 4 year degree in a quantitative discipline a strong plus. *Occasional travel to client sites.
Marketing Database Analyst (Highlights For Children)	link
Database Analyst Linux (Paramount Recruitment Ltd.)	link	5+ years experience as a Database Analyst. Linux experience, PostgreSQL Database, Redhat 3/4/5 ES and or CentOS 3/4/5 knowledege. Previous data warehousing experience and Hands On experience on a Mission Critical System. Salary:  50000-60000 Per Annum sal up to £60k plus benefits
Senior Database Analyst	link	MS SQL database design and operating principles. Experience of formal change management and problem management systems. MCDBA / MCTS in SQL 2000 / 2005
Migration Database Analyst (technojobs.com)	link	Replication, storage and monitoring database. MUST have an Investment Banking background, solid knowledge of SQL and Mining Techniques, knowledge of building reports in Excel and an understanding of Unix, Linux and Windows etc. Datacentre relocation/ migration project knowledge an advantage
Database Analyst (Abraxas)	link	SQL DBA with multi-platform experience LINUX/UNIX and WINDOWS. At least 4 years MySQL or MS-SQL DBA experience
Database Analyst (Neal Andrews and Associates)	link	Data Management   Analysis   Reporting   Trend Analysis   Verification   Liaison with internal and external customers
SQL Database Analyst Developer (Michael Page International)	link	2+ years commercial experience in data analysis and/or database design Skilled in writing SQL and Stored Procedure in SQL 2000 Experience with developing SQL2000 DTS packages preferable Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Relevant degree qualification in IT related discipline or similar Exposure to the following, whilst not mandatory, will be highly regarded; Crystal Reports Data Modelling, OLAP skills
(Hudson)	link	Organizational, processing, analytical and technical skills in Solid T-SQL / SQL Server and expert proficiency in Excel/Access and intermediate in the remainder of the Microsoft office suite Experience with Customer Relationship Tools and campaign management tools (Siebel, Epiphany) Process Orientated Understanding of marketing functions Solid T-SQL / SQL Server to query complex and develop automated repeatable reporting procedures Familiarity with data warehousing and data mart concepts Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously Must have experience in documentation, process mapping and analytical skills
Database Analyst	link	3 + years in a database analyst role using Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle. Experience in a financial services / banking environment preferred. Knowledge of and experience with a formal set of proven methods for database design, development, and implementation required. Knowledge of and experience with formal SDLC processes for development efforts preferred, including writing technical documentation and formal test plans. Knowledge of and experience with enterprise reporting and data transformation (ETL) tools preferred.
Database Analyst (salt lake community college)	Link	Knowledge & Skills SQL Server and/Oracle database analysis Strong written, reading and verbal communication Interpersonal, organizational, teamwork and problem solving skills Solid knowledge of database design and database management principles Proven track record of delivering projects on time Outstanding attention to detail SQL, PL/SQL and Pro*C programming Unix and Windows administration (Solaris Preferred) including cronjobs, shell scripting, printer queue maintenance, etc

Differences observed

A few differences between Database Analysts and other Database Administration related roles observed follow: 

• The main difference from Database Administrators is a higher level focus on the database. While DB Administrators generally focus on day to day running of the database (maintenance), DB Analysts are involved in the analysis, design, and implementation stages. They will have more analytical skills such as database normalization, performance considerations, liaise with customers to determine their requirements, balance the different needs of the departments, etc. They are also involved in the maintenance of a DB system to some extent, for example for performance tuning of an already implemented database, storage analysis, normalization, implementing specific and unforseen customer requests
• The difference from DB security Analyst is mainly the focus on system openness. The DB Analyst tries to make the database maximally available to all customers. The DB Security Analyst on the other hand, tries to make the database only as open as absolutely necessary, to avoid security problems and security breaches.
• DB Analysts differ from DB Architects mainly in that DB Analysts are usually involved throughout the lifetime of the database, throughout the lifecycle. DB Architects are mainly involved in the pre-implementation stages. For this reason, this function is often outsourced because once the DB Architect's role is fulfilled, a DB Administrator can take over the maintenance of the database. For this reason, a DB Analyst is often more experienced and skilled.

References

CW Jobs 2007, , Database Analyst Jobs. Available: http://www.cwjobs.co.uk/JobSearch/Results.aspx?DCMP=A_PT_IW_SB_1&Keywords=Database+Analyst&JobType1=10 [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

Govt. of Canada 2007, 22-apr-2007-last update_, 2172 Database Analysts and Data Administrators_. Available: http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/2172.shtml [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

mycareer.com.au 2007, , Database Analyst Jobs. Available: http://mycareer.com.au/jobseeker/search/results.aspx?s=101&q=database+analyst&sm=1 [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

Prabhu, P., Rajesh, R. & Rajarajan, G.T. 2007, , Roles of Database Administrator. Available: http://www.world-class-programme.com/Roles-of-database-administrator.asp [2007, 19-aug-2007] .

US-DOL-BLS 2007, , Computer scientists and database administrators. Available: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

Various 2007, , Database Administrator. Available: http://www.world-class-programme.com/Roles-of-database-administrator.asp [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

Various 2007, , Database Analyst Jobs, Average Salary for Database Analyst Jobs. Available: http://www.itjobswatch.co.uk/jobs/uk/database%20analyst.do [2007, 20-aug-2007] .

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Varun Karad says: sooo many tables make it look very bad Aug 20, 2007 15:23 ( Permalink )